Programs
The Exchange Northwest programs are designed to help people explore new ideas, test solutions, and work together on challenges that matter to our communities. Whether you’re a public agency, a startup, a student, or a community builder, our programs create pathways to learn, collaborate, and make an impact.
Born in Bellevue, built for the Northwest, and open to anyone ready to exchange ideas that move our communities forward.
Civic Innovation Challenge: Second Round Opens Oct. 14, 2026
Cocreating solutions with community, government and innovators.
The Civic Innovation Challenge brings together startups, public agencies, and community partners to design and test practical solutions for real civic needs. Following a successful first round, we're expanding the program with additional partners.
Selected participants will work directly with government and/or education staff design partners to explore challenges, refine ideas, and develop solutions grounded in real-world needs. Along the way, you'll receive ongoing feedback from subject matter experts, optional mentoring from startup leaders and Exchange partners, and a modest stipend to support your work. This unique collaboration model provides valuable insight, strengthens solution design, and helps accelerate ideas from concept to implementation.
Beyond the challenge itself, participants gain visibility through website and media promotion and have the opportunity to showcase their solutions to a broad civic technology audience. Whether you're an entrepreneur, technologist, researcher, or community innovator, you'll have the chance to build connections, test ideas, and demonstrate the value of your work to public sector leaders and community members.
The Exchange Northwest government partners anticipate selecting 4 to 6 recipients in this second round of the challenge. Applications are open to individuals, teams, startups, and businesses. Participants must be at least 18 years of age and authorized to sign a contract on behalf of themselves or their organization.
Ready to shape the future of civic innovation?
Don't just imagine better solutions for your community. Collaborate with public sector leaders, access expert guidance, and bring your ideas to life. Apply today and help create practical, scalable solutions that make a lasting difference.
Applications are due by November 13, 2026 by 5:00 PM details in the links below.
Submit your Civic Innovation Challenge application
Resource Documents
Learn more about the first Civic Challenge with the city of Bellevue.
Civic AI Innovation Lab
(CAIL — pronounced “SAIL”)
A new regional program that brings college interns, government staff, and business partners together to create reusable AI projects that strengthen public services, train the workforce of the future, and advance regional AI readiness and understanding.
Stay tuned for more information.